smokinjetson
Member
Has anyone vaped using the Xmax Starry? If so, how does it compare to the Alternate?
Multi-brand Vivant Alternate
- Thread starter blackbur
- Start date
stark1
Lonesome Planet
Well my replacement Alternate that I've used less than 15 times has now developed cracks in the same spot as my old one. I've used only the official v3 mouthpiece and been EXTREMELY careful. This is ridiculous.
While Ivan and Vivant's CS seem quite responsive, I can't help wondering if the company didn't
get taken by the Chinese manufacturer? To cut cost they may have used low-cost-low-heat-resistant plastic....
The unit I have ( bought from a fellow FC-er ) is a stellar piece, however, the housing seems a bit thin, and, well, plasticky.
I bet if the unit is constructed with a high heat resistant composite body, the cracking issues would disappear....
& the re-incarnated Alternate (II) would be stellar, and sturdy. What say ye, Ivan?
Probably because Randy did not want to deal with the Alternate's cracked issues, i.e. re-turns....
Last edited:
Mr. Me2
Well-Known Member
So.... @stark1While Ivan and Vivant's CS seem quite responsive, I can't help wondering if the company didn't
get taken by the Chinese manufacturer? To cut cost they may have used low-cost-low-heat-resistant plastic....
The unit I have ( bought from a fellow FC-er ) is a stellar piece, however, the housing seems a bit thin, and, well, plasticky.
I bet if the unit is constructed with a high heat resistant composite body, the cracking issues would disappear....
& the re-incarnated Alternate (II) would be stellar, and sturdy. What say ye, Ivan?
Probably because Randy did not want to deal with the Alternate's cracked issues, i.e. re-turns....
Is your latest avatar a stock photo or one of your own fine pieces displaying a spectacular autumn?
Regardless, another winner!
Now what Vape were we talking about?
Mr. Me2
Well-Known Member
Aw shucks...
While Ivan and Vivant's CS seem quite responsive, I can't help wondering if the company didn't
get taken by the Chinese manufacturer? To cut cost they may have used low-cost-low-heat-resistant plastic....
The unit I have ( bought from a fellow FC-er ) is a stellar piece, however, the housing seems a bit thin, and, well, plasticky.
I bet if the unit is constructed with a high heat resistant composite body, the cracking issues would disappear....
& the re-incarnated Alternate (II) would be stellar, and sturdy. What say ye, Ivan?
Probably because Randy did not want to deal with the Alternate's cracked issues, i.e. re-turns....
hello @stark1
Thank you for relaying your thoughts and suggestions. I will be sure to let our team here at the office know about your input. I would just like to clarify, our manufacturing factory has always been in China although ALL designs are done so in-house here in California. The sales team, designers/engineers and the rest of the operations team take place daily in California. I want to reassure you that at this stage of our company, our management travels to China themselves to make sure the manufacturing process is done accordingly. We do not cut costs in sourcing material. I can share with you that we have an extensive background in the ecig industry and because of our investors/partners, we are able to utilize their supply chain resources to get the best rate. We also do have our own factory in China so we are not sourcing external factories to manufacture our products.
Thank you,
Ivan
CSR
BigJr48
Well-Known Member
If so, why is there so many units with cracks and have a 3rd version of the mouthpiece???
smokinjetson
Member
Even if Vivant has their own factory where the vapes are produced, their provider of plastics doesn't provide strong enough plastics, period!
Razshiro
Well-Known Member
Same i paid a bit less, but now i have nice v3 mp, really very cool with the heatsink, nice done Vivant i woul like a better housing because all those "cracks" are not acceptable .... To be honest i'm using my Alternate only 3-4 time per month now and already have some cracks too, this vape is really not for daily use/hight temp use or Heavy user, i have my Mighty for that !!
@Vivant
I have emailed Vivant a number of times over the past months through their website with no response.
I purchased a spare V2 topcap directly from vivant.com Order # VIV1275. I sent pictures a few months ago of the cracked item. I wish to receive the updated V3 replacement topcap. Please respond, before the warranty expires. Thank you.
I have emailed Vivant a number of times over the past months through their website with no response.
I purchased a spare V2 topcap directly from vivant.com Order # VIV1275. I sent pictures a few months ago of the cracked item. I wish to receive the updated V3 replacement topcap. Please respond, before the warranty expires. Thank you.
Hello @slang ,
I believe we spoke on the phone this morning.
You will be happy to know I am processing your warranty right now.
Thank you for reaching out to us!
Best Regards,
Ivan
CSR
smokinjetson
Member
No issues with my V3 cap really. Just the heat/pressure crack above the battery.
Cheesequake
Free Men Don't Ask
Same here so far.
v3 has been going well for me as well, but the v2 didn't have a good end. Huge crack all the way down the middle, as well as on the sides and where the mouthpiece attaches to the vape. Glad they got this worked out though, im hoping the v3 will last longer.
Also, funny story, i was using the v2 cap because i thought the v3 cap i got was broken. turns out i just fucked up the silicon part when putting it together, im such an idiot.
I'm super disappointed with vivant alternate, the plastic smell is just terrible, i don't want to use this as it is just inhaling plastics, i tried several, like 10+ burns with empty if it gets out, but still present. Also you can even feel that the plastic chamber is melting when you touch to top brown/biege part when turned max heat it is partially melted, while when cooled down it is hard. I bought it based of the reviews and liked the features, but i don't feel it is safe.
BTW on the day it arrived I sold my fenix mini, because i was afraid of the non interchangeable battery, where smell went fully away on 5th empty burn and I don't think it is plastic more like aluminium coated with some heavy duty rubberized something. But such is the life, i will buy fenix mini again and bin this probably.
BTW on the day it arrived I sold my fenix mini, because i was afraid of the non interchangeable battery, where smell went fully away on 5th empty burn and I don't think it is plastic more like aluminium coated with some heavy duty rubberized something. But such is the life, i will buy fenix mini again and bin this probably.
Ravachol
Well-Known Member
Try at lower temp. Over 200 C you inhale also benzene. No smell on my alternate at 185.
@Vivant
I purchased an Alternate from Puffitup.com (Order #86995) on 04/10/17. I contacted PIU to get a replacement V3 topcap for my cracked V2 topcap after waiting several months.
Jake from PuffitUp informed me that they've stopped selling the Alternate and will no longer honor the warranty by providing replacement topcaps. He did offer me another defective V2 topcap though, and told me I will have to contact Vivant support for the V3.
PuffitUp WAS an authorized dealer when I purchased the Alternate seven months ago, therefore, Can I still get warranty support and a free replacement V3 topcap directly from Vivant instead?
I purchased an Alternate from Puffitup.com (Order #86995) on 04/10/17. I contacted PIU to get a replacement V3 topcap for my cracked V2 topcap after waiting several months.
Jake from PuffitUp informed me that they've stopped selling the Alternate and will no longer honor the warranty by providing replacement topcaps. He did offer me another defective V2 topcap though, and told me I will have to contact Vivant support for the V3.
PuffitUp WAS an authorized dealer when I purchased the Alternate seven months ago, therefore, Can I still get warranty support and a free replacement V3 topcap directly from Vivant instead?
PPN
Volute of Vapor
Alternate give you superior vapor production (Starry is nice too but is best for sipping than for big hits, both works well with concentrates) and best extraction although building quality is very cheap (a lot cheaper than the Starry). Mine is breaking everywhere but still working very well playing with o-rings to keep a tight seal, I don't think it will last until 2018 under this shape (I plan to re-build it cause I like the power of this vape).
vaptronix
Well-Known Member
Yep, they honored mine.
Hello @slang
I believe we have already responded to your e-mail.
We will be more than happy to continue to help you out via e-mail.
Best regards,
Ivan
CSR
mash
Well-Known Member
I use mine everyday and other than the cosmetic cracks above the battery....it works like a champ.
I have the arizer air and love it.....and also the fenix.....both are great also.....but I keep on using the Alternate
Better plastic for the body would be a nice upgrade....it is a bit flimsy ....but overall...for the cost....I have no complaints....
@Vivant has always been great with support
Im a bit of a newbie but just my two cents worth
I have the arizer air and love it.....and also the fenix.....both are great also.....but I keep on using the Alternate
Better plastic for the body would be a nice upgrade....it is a bit flimsy ....but overall...for the cost....I have no complaints....
@Vivant has always been great with support
Im a bit of a newbie but just my two cents worth
Been using the Alternate through an ashcatcher/J-hook combo for the past week, and it's damn amazing. The mighty v3 adapter from Delta3D is perfect, great seal.
What temps do you guys vape at? I used to only go as low as 185 celsius, but I tried going as low as 165 and I wish I tried it sooner. I usually get very tired when I smoke, so when I don't have a sativa (which is most of the time), I can now smoke without passing out!
What temps do you guys vape at? I used to only go as low as 185 celsius, but I tried going as low as 165 and I wish I tried it sooner. I usually get very tired when I smoke, so when I don't have a sativa (which is most of the time), I can now smoke without passing out!
YaMon
Vaping since 2010
I recently had the good fortune to be on the beach in Jamaica for ten days with my Vivant Alternate. With 4 @ 2,000+ mAh batteries in rotation, an external charger and a plentiful supply and assortment of properly cared for herbs.
Oh wait, rewind to where this started on FuckCombustion.com in this thread where I found out about the Alternate. I purchased the Alternate back in March and unused took it to Jamaica where I used it intermittently alongside a DaBudha, a VapCap OG and a friends PAX III. Well let's just say the Vivant was lost in the mix.
Fast forward back to the Halloween JamRock trip! Ya mon! In addition to the Alternate I still had access to the DaBudha, a VapCap OG and a new VapCap 'M' (with a stash). The triple torch lighter I have there has flames organized in a triangle, whereas back in the States my triple torch is three in a row. This caused operator difficulties followed by foul combustion acts (FCAs). The DaBudha went to my neighbors room starting day one and with FCAs occurring and torch lighter flames difficult to see in breezy and bright sunny conditions with salt sprayed Tommy Bahamas, well the Alternate had it's opportunity!
First the included grinder, really not bad for a plastic freebie, but do yourself a favor and toss the little plug as it will get stuck! The grinder just works and stores about 3 full bowls of ground herb containing all contents neatly and is at home on a coffee table, on a beach table, bar top or in a pocket. 3 bowls seems about enough between stops back at the room midday and early evening not to mention getting through the night, yeah it was that bad, day and night.
Included batteries and charger, I just did not use them. Sorry.
Vivant Alternate, wow, but first the bad. It's chintzy feeling cheap plastic, although I did get real lucky with this. The display sucks. In bright sunlight with sunglasses on it's not legible, even worse so for this far sighted old guy. The top that detaches for accessing the chamber gets really hot! Over time with repeated use over days the heat of the vapor starts to take it's toll, a water rig would take away from the portability. It's just not in the same class as the FireFly 2 for vapor cooling.
Now the good. This thing can envelop you with wispy clouds of uplifting 360 F vapor or crush you with low restriction herculean 428 F storm clouds. The Rastas love this thing! It was quickly referred to as the chalice! The flavor is better than any conduction vape I've used and in the upper half of the convection vapes. With a freshly packed chamber from the grinder which screws right on avoiding spillage, the Alternate delivers. The flavor is colorful through the first half of the third pull on lower temps and comes in full for two pulls when maxed. The clouds keep coming. Once dusted a quick twist reveals the neon green (Read 'hard to lose') stirring tool which is all I used for ten days to clean the chamber. It works fine for that and for stirring, but who can be bothered stirring in Jamaica, why that would be akin to smoking roaches. The flat end however makes for a great tool to push product from the grinder into the chamber and ever so slightly tamp the material. A quick twist removes the grinder leaving one with a good opportunity to park the tool and replace the battery if needed before twisting the top cap back on. Holding the on button if already running kicks off the heating cycle signaled by beeps. The beeps were annoying when I did the dry runs in the states, but with the legibility issues of the display these tones proved to be very convenient. The initiation beeps are different from the ready and out of time beeps which negates the need to see a status. The red/green led is helpful too. After preset temp is reached you may take free flowing sips one after another or be bold and go for 2-3 full on rips in a 60 sec heat cycle. The beeps signaling end of the cycle kick in and you can keep pulling for a bit, I suspect this is combined convection and conduction.
The chintzy plastic held up. With a fresh lathering of sunscreen while swapping batteries I dropped the Alternate on a thin rug atop a tile floor, momentary panic set it. I was very lucky on this, the Alternate seemed unscathed and continued to operate well. Perhaps a bigger set of ridges for the battery slide would help, either that or wash your hands after applying SP4 bro tater chip.
Oh wait, rewind to where this started on FuckCombustion.com in this thread where I found out about the Alternate. I purchased the Alternate back in March and unused took it to Jamaica where I used it intermittently alongside a DaBudha, a VapCap OG and a friends PAX III. Well let's just say the Vivant was lost in the mix.
Fast forward back to the Halloween JamRock trip! Ya mon! In addition to the Alternate I still had access to the DaBudha, a VapCap OG and a new VapCap 'M' (with a stash). The triple torch lighter I have there has flames organized in a triangle, whereas back in the States my triple torch is three in a row. This caused operator difficulties followed by foul combustion acts (FCAs). The DaBudha went to my neighbors room starting day one and with FCAs occurring and torch lighter flames difficult to see in breezy and bright sunny conditions with salt sprayed Tommy Bahamas, well the Alternate had it's opportunity!
First the included grinder, really not bad for a plastic freebie, but do yourself a favor and toss the little plug as it will get stuck! The grinder just works and stores about 3 full bowls of ground herb containing all contents neatly and is at home on a coffee table, on a beach table, bar top or in a pocket. 3 bowls seems about enough between stops back at the room midday and early evening not to mention getting through the night, yeah it was that bad, day and night.
Included batteries and charger, I just did not use them. Sorry.
Vivant Alternate, wow, but first the bad. It's chintzy feeling cheap plastic, although I did get real lucky with this. The display sucks. In bright sunlight with sunglasses on it's not legible, even worse so for this far sighted old guy. The top that detaches for accessing the chamber gets really hot! Over time with repeated use over days the heat of the vapor starts to take it's toll, a water rig would take away from the portability. It's just not in the same class as the FireFly 2 for vapor cooling.
Now the good. This thing can envelop you with wispy clouds of uplifting 360 F vapor or crush you with low restriction herculean 428 F storm clouds. The Rastas love this thing! It was quickly referred to as the chalice! The flavor is better than any conduction vape I've used and in the upper half of the convection vapes. With a freshly packed chamber from the grinder which screws right on avoiding spillage, the Alternate delivers. The flavor is colorful through the first half of the third pull on lower temps and comes in full for two pulls when maxed. The clouds keep coming. Once dusted a quick twist reveals the neon green (Read 'hard to lose') stirring tool which is all I used for ten days to clean the chamber. It works fine for that and for stirring, but who can be bothered stirring in Jamaica, why that would be akin to smoking roaches. The flat end however makes for a great tool to push product from the grinder into the chamber and ever so slightly tamp the material. A quick twist removes the grinder leaving one with a good opportunity to park the tool and replace the battery if needed before twisting the top cap back on. Holding the on button if already running kicks off the heating cycle signaled by beeps. The beeps were annoying when I did the dry runs in the states, but with the legibility issues of the display these tones proved to be very convenient. The initiation beeps are different from the ready and out of time beeps which negates the need to see a status. The red/green led is helpful too. After preset temp is reached you may take free flowing sips one after another or be bold and go for 2-3 full on rips in a 60 sec heat cycle. The beeps signaling end of the cycle kick in and you can keep pulling for a bit, I suspect this is combined convection and conduction.
The chintzy plastic held up. With a fresh lathering of sunscreen while swapping batteries I dropped the Alternate on a thin rug atop a tile floor, momentary panic set it. I was very lucky on this, the Alternate seemed unscathed and continued to operate well. Perhaps a bigger set of ridges for the battery slide would help, either that or wash your hands after applying SP4 bro tater chip.